Melatonin

Melatonin, a hormone made by the pineal gland, affects many organs,
including the thymus, the pituitary and the hypothalamus. Melatonin
plays a major role in setting the internal clock. Blind people
use melatonin to improve their ability to sleep and to regulate
their circadian cycle. It is also used to combat jet lag. Studies
on mice suggest that melatonin may play an important role in increasing
life span.

Melatonin's anti-aging benefits may include improved sleep rhythms,
improved strength of the immune system, more positive response
to stress and enhanced well-being.

A 1987 study conducted by Walter Pierpaoli, M.D. and George J.
M. Maestroni, M.D. found that mice who received melatonin in their
drinking water at night lived 20 percent longer than untreated
mice. Studies show that the effects of melatonin depend greatly
on the age of the patient and the timing of the dosage in the
sleep-wake cycle.

Side Effects and Contraindications: Melatonin causes sleepiness,
so it should be taken only at bedtime. At higher doses, however,
it may cause increases in depression and psychosis in patients
already suffering from them. It should not be taken by children,
or pregnant females.

Distribution: Melatonin is widely available in drugstore chains
in both capsules and in slow-release preparations.

"Man who say it
cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it."
- Chinese Proverb

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